SQMD Snowdon - BD
Sunday 24th June 2023
Peak 1 of 3.
This was a guiding day for a blind person to the summit. Very clear communication was necessary throughout the journey.
We started and finished at the Car Park near the Slate Mine museum.
Weather was forecast to change later in the day with potential ill thunder and lightening. Therefore, I had planned to start the route at 4am.
No navigation issues as route is very easy.
1 • Ascent of a significant mountain is included in the day;
Yes - 3560 ft
2 • Individual takes part in the planning and leadership:
Lead role in planning the day with kit needed and leading throughout the journey.
3 • navigation skills are required;
Not really - even with low visibility- I know the route.
4 • knowledge is increased and skills practised;
I think the main learning was communication skills and to be clear in supporting someone who is blind.
5 • attention is paid to safety;
I had 2 other members in the team to support the guidance of a blind person. First Aid / Shelter carried. Plus additional warm clothing and head torches (plus Spain’s) in case the darkness came in - it did…
6 • adverse weather and underfoot conditions may be encountered;
An awesome start to the day, we had a glorious sunrise and a clear route all the way to the final steps to the summit. On arrival the summit the weather began to change with the cloud cover coming in. It was time to descend - we descended out of the cloud near the halfway house. On arrival back at the car the weather completely changed and the thunder and lightening came in - this felt good that my planning had worked out.
7 • Five hours or more journey time;
Yes - 7 1/2 hours in total guiding a blind person to the summit and safe return to base.
Area :
Snowdon Massif
Snowdon (Welsh: Yr Wyddfa) is the highest mountain in Wales, at an altitude of 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) above sea level, and the highest point in the British Isles outside Scotland. It is located in Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) in Gwynedd, and has been described as "the busiest mountain in Britain". It is designated as a national nature reserve for its rare flora and fauna.
